WOODSTOWN — It wasn't about anyone's particular denomination Thursday morning. Instead, it was about the community gathering to share one united prayer together.

On the 63rd annual observance of the National Day of Prayer, more than 250 residents, religious, community and business leaders gathered in the parish hall at the Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit in Woodstown to share the spirit of Christ, as well as a hardy breakfast provided by Lapp's Dutch Market.

But for Woodstown Presbyterian Church Rev. Jonathan E. Hoeldke, who was the master of ceremonies, the morning was also about having a little fun. He told a number of "light bulb" jokes, poking some fun at various denominations.

"How many Episcopalians does it take to change a light bulb?" Hoeldke asked the crowd.

He followed up with, "One to actually change the bulb and 9 to say how much they like the old one."

The crowd chuckled.

His last joke hit on the main point of the morning.

"How many Christians does it take to screw in a light bulb?" He asked.

Following up with, "Three, but they're really one."

He said there's something wrong if people can't poke a little fun at themselves.

Rev. Dave Bailey Sr., of Ranch Hope, was the morning's keynote speaker. Bailey said with the issues being contentiously debated today, he looks around and is reminded that there is "a lot of work left to do."

He spoke passionately about the importance of confession and accepting responsibility.

"Sometimes we have to confess that we are the problem," he said.

Adding, "Then we have to accept what God wants us to do."

Jack Swain, superintendent of Salem County Vo-tech and Special Services school district, said that prayer is the glue that holds everyone together and said it was a powerful feeling knowing that people across the country were gathered together in prayer.

The annual breakfast is presented by the Salem County Chamber of Commerce and The Partners of Salem County.

Representatives from local businesses such as PSE&G Nuclear, Franklin Bank, The Memorial Hospital of Salem County, DuPont Chambers Works, Mannington Mills, along with officials from the educational and law enforcement fields offered prayers for the safety of the state, county and nation.

Third District Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-3, of Paulsboro) offered the invocation, praying for those who serve in leadership positions and asking they maintain humility while serving in those positions.

Between prayers, live music was played softly with the audience joining in.

Addison Roberts, associate pastor at First Assembly of God in Carneys Point said people of various Christian faiths can often get bogged down by their individual denominations, focusing too hard on it, without realizing the bigger picture.

"The importance is the coming together to pray," he said. "People can be too individually focused. But that isn't the goal. The ultimate goal is to serve Christ and give thanks (to God)."

After the breakfast concluded, Peggy Scheule, and her mother Jodi Wirth, both of Woodstown, were walking outside. The two have been attending the breakfast for nearly 10 years.

"There's nothing more powerful you can do than pray," Scheule said.

Her mother nodded in agreement as the two left with hopeful smiles on their faces.